Ukrainian gymnast Nazar Chepurnyi, in an open statement on Facebook, delivered sharp criticism of Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sport and the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation (UGF), accusing domestic sports bodies of a systemic lack of support in the lead-up to major competitions. According to the athlete, it was the German Gymnastics Federation that voluntarily covered the expenses that Ukrainian authorities failed to fund despite repeated appeals. This is reported by Sport RBC.UA, citing Chepurnyi's own post.

Preparing amid financial uncertainty

As the gymnast explained, due to the lack of adequate training conditions in Ukraine, he was forced to travel to Germany for preparation just one and a half months before the European Championships. Chepurnyi claims that he repeatedly approached domestic sports bodies asking them to cover the costs of the training camp, but only received "empty promises" in return. As a result, he paid out of his own pocket for the first half of his preparation — including accommodation, food, fuel, and other related expenses.

The 900-euro issue and help from the German side

The central point of the conflict was the payment for the official training camp in Kinbaum, which cost 900 euros. According to Chepurnyi, Ukrainian authorities again failed to provide the necessary funds. Learning of the Ukrainian gymnast's difficult situation, the German Gymnastics Federation voluntarily took over the cost of his official camp. "It's a shame that 900 euros to prepare an athlete for the European Championships turns out to be too much. Yet at the same time, Federation members can afford to fly business class," Chepurnyi wrote in his statement.

"Don't be surprised" — on changing sporting nationality

In his remarks, the gymnast directly linked the financial indifference of domestic bodies to the growing number of Ukrainian athletes who are beginning to consider changing their sporting nationality. "And then everyone is surprised why athletes start thinking about changing their sporting nationality. Don't be surprised," he emphasized. Chepurnyi also added that "shouting about victory louder than anyone" when you have done nothing to achieve the result is a "worthless position."

Gratitude without the Federation and the Ministry

Wrapping up, the athlete listed those to whom he is truly indebted for his result: "For this result, I want to thank exclusively my coach Hennadii Lyovych Sartytskyi, the German Gymnastics Federation, Rolandos, and my close family who were by my side and supported me. But by no means the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation or the Ministry of Youth and Sport." It was previously reported that Chepurnyi won the European Championships for the first time in his career, which makes his public statement all the more resonant for the Ukrainian sports community.

Broader context: a systemic conflict in Ukrainian gymnastics

Chepurnyi's statement is not an isolated incident. According to several Ukrainian and Russian sports outlets, open conflict has been growing in Ukrainian gymnastics between active athletes and the UGF leadership. It was previously reported that a group of Ukrainian gymnasts expressed disagreement with the federation's decisions, including issues related to a coach's suspension, and even considered boycotting the European Championships. In this context, Chepurnyi's public statement is perceived as part of a broader crisis of trust between athletes and the country's sports structures.